BMW’s G42 2 Sequence Coupe has carved out a loyal following, particularly in M240i xDrive type. It’s not as hardcore because the G87 M2, however it nails that candy spot—highly effective, balanced, and simply sensible sufficient to be a year-round day by day driver. However for a way for much longer? In response to our sources, the G42 2 Sequence and G87 M2 are each scheduled to exit manufacturing in 2029. Sometimes, a next-gen mannequin would already be within the pipeline. This time, although, there’s allegedly no combustion-powered successor deliberate. As a substitute, BMW is engaged on a totally electrical i2, which is predicted to debut after 2029.
And right here’s the actual kicker: the i2 could not even be a coupe. As a substitute, sources counsel it might arrive as an i2 Gran Coupe (four-door), aimed toward a broader international viewers. If that’s true, it will mark a serious departure from the compact rear-wheel-drive sports activities coupe formulation that has made the two Sequence such successful since its inception in 2014. There’s a caveat although: plans might certainly change, even when that may imply a large hole between product lifecycles. We’ll clarify under why that’s nonetheless a risk.
To know automotive product planning, particularly at BMW, we have now to rewind just a few years. When the G42 launched, the EV market was booming, and automakers have been betting large on electrification. BMW deliberate future fashions underneath the idea that sure segments—like compact coupes—can be able to transition to electrical energy. Quick ahead to right this moment, and issues look very completely different. The EV market has slowed, authorities rules are shifting, and clients haven’t deserted inside combustion as rapidly as anticipated. However by the point this shift turned clear, long-term product planning was already in movement.
That’s how we ended up right here: the G42 and G87 M2 may very well be phased out in 2029, however on the identical time, they may obtain a lifecycle extension to be bought in parallel with an i2 electrical. Why is {that a} risk? BMW’s product technique is kind of versatile, because of its three-platform strategy:
- CLAR (Rear-wheel-drive-based) – Helps ICE, EVs, hybrid and hydrogen fashions.
- FAAR (Entrance-wheel-drive-based) – Used for fashions just like the 1 Sequence and X1, and MINIs
- NCAR (Neue Klasse EV-based) – The subsequent-gen electric-only platform for future BMWs, together with the i2.
Much more fascinating, BMW is upgrading a few of its inside combustion engines to fulfill Euro 7 requirements—together with the B58 inline-six and the B48 turbo-four. If BMW is retaining these engines alive for the following decade, it means they haven’t absolutely deserted combustion-powered efficiency vehicles simply but. That leaves the door open for a possible future 2 Sequence Coupe revival within the 2030s or the extension of the present mannequin with one other facelift, particularly if demand for small ICE sports activities vehicles stays sturdy.
Should you love compact, fun-to-drive sports activities vehicles, the following few years could be your greatest likelihood to safe one—whether or not it’s a 230i or an M240i—earlier than they may disappear from BMW’s lineup. And as many shoppers state, you gained’t be dissatisfied with both variant.
